Aerosol Apparatus Feedback Control for Heater Malfunction Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating apparatuses face challenges in quickly detecting and responding to malfunctions, such as heater disconnection or temperature sensor defects, which can lead to overheating and potential fires, due to their reliance on predefined logic that assumes no defects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a feedback control function that includes a comparison signal calculator to generate a cut-off signal when a comparison value exceeds a preset range, using signals from a switch operation to determine if the heater is properly functioning, and a controller to stop power supply to the heater if malfunctions are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a predefined logic control method is used in the MCU, then the control logic is simple and easy to implement, but the system cannot detect or respond to component malfunctions such as heater disconnection or temperature sensor defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the MCU periodically checks the operational status of the heater and temperature sensor by receiving feedback signals. When a malfunction is detected (e.g., heater disconnection or temperature sensor failure), the system generates an alarm signal and adjusts control commands accordingly, enabling real-time detection and response to component failures while maintaining simple control logic.
2Device complexity
If the temperature sensor periodically transmits temperature values to the MCU, then the temperature monitoring is simple, but the system cannot determine whether temperature failure is caused by heater disconnection or temperature sensor defect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism where the MCU sends test signals to both the heater and temperature sensor independently, and uses the responses as intermediaries to diagnose the root cause of temperature monitoring failures. By checking the response signals from both components, the system can distinguish whether the issue is heater disconnection or temperature sensor defect, enabling accurate failure identification without complicating the overall monitoring structure.
3Productivity
If the heating wire current gradually increases without user recognition, then the heating function is maintained, but the aerosol generating apparatus may be damaged by heat or fire may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback monitoring system where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the heater temperature and transmits data to the MCU. The MCU compares the temperature with predetermined safe ranges and automatically adjusts the heating power or generates alarm signals when abnormal temperature increases are detected, preventing overheating damage and fire risks while maintaining continuous heating functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary safety checks by having the MCU periodically verify the operational status of the heater and temperature sensor before allowing heating to proceed. When potential malfunctions are detected (such as abnormal current increases or temperature deviations), the system takes preliminary corrective actions by reducing power or alerting the user before dangerous overheating or fire conditions can occur.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables users to promptly identify and address malfunctions, preventing damage and potential fires by accurately determining if the heater is connected and functioning correctly, thus enhancing the safety and stability of the aerosol generating apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a heater for generating an aerosol by generally heating an aerosol generating substrate
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor may periodically or aperiodically transmit the temperature value of the heater to the MCU
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus having a feedback control function includes a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol; a controller configured to generate a control signal for controlling power supplied to the heater; a switch configured to perform a switching operation based on the control signal to supply the power to the heater; and a comparison signal calculator configured to receive a signal by the switching operation to calculate a comparison target signal, wherein the controller is further configured to generate a cut-off signal for stopping the switching operation of the switch based on a comparison value calculated by comparing the comparison target signal with a reference signal exceeding a preset range.